Showjumping Guidelines » Petersfield Showjumping Guidelines A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO SHOWJUMPING We thought it might be a good idea to give you some basic information about Showjumping. You can also download this guide : Showjumping Guidelines Before entering the ring to compete, you’ll need to warm-up in the practise arena, where there are usually two jumps. These jumps should be flagged, and must be jumped (as in Cross Country) with the red flag on your right. In this area, you should pass others left shoulder to left shoulder, and if walking, should keep to the inside track, so as not to impede those moving faster. You should not jump a practise fence higher than the course you are about to jump. At a competition, a pony may only be ridden anywhere on the showground by the rider who is to ride in the competition, but may be lunged by another person. Always walk the course that you are to jump, following the line you will ride. This will be just before the class begins.

You should look tidy when walking the course and it is best not to go with a gaggle of friends who might distract you, but try to find someone who knows about riding a show jumping course and get them to walk it with you. When you enter the ring, be sure to wait for the bell before you start to jump. If you are unsure, circle, and wait, the judge will usually announce that the bell has gone; or you could ride over and ask the judge. Remember to enter the arena with purpose: trot straight away and then canter round the jumps until you are given the signal to start. On the course: if you have a refusal at the second part of a double, you must jump both parts again; not just the part at which you stopped. If you should forget the course or lose your way, try not to cross your tracks, or circle, as each circle will incur 4 faults. Should you have a refusal, and in so doing, knock down the fence, you will incur only the faults for the refusal, not the knock down. Then you must wait for the fence to be rebuilt. Three refusals – anywhere on the course – incurs Elimination.

If this happens, you must not attempt again the fence you were eliminated at, but may, on your way out, make two attempts to jump a fence which you had already jumped – in the correct direction. The judge will ring the bell if you are eliminated. Should you fall off, and are unhurt, you may remount and continue; you can be given a ‘leg-up’. A second fall incurs elimination (for your own safety), and you must not remount, but leave the ring at a walk. If your pony falls, so that both his shoulders and quarters touch the ground, you will be eliminated, and the judge will ring the bell. You should lead your pony out of the ring. A pony that leaves the ring at any point will be eliminated and you cannot continue. Outside Assistance : At any time after the signal to start has been given any outside assistance to a competitor, whether solicited or not, which in the opinion of the Judge might improve the competitor’s performance, incurs elimination at the Judge’s discretion. Some courses are ‘Two Phase’, -this is where you jump a number of fences and, if clear, continue straight into a timed section. Be sure to know where the timing begins.

If you are not clear on the first section, the bell will ring and you must leave the ring. You must not use your whip between entering the ring and the first jump. TEAMS At most team events, there will be a Tack Check before the class, where you present yourself and your pony to ensure your tack and riding wear are safe and correctly fitted. When the class is for teams of 3, all three scores will be totalled together. In teams of 4, the best three scores will be counted for a total. For a two round competition, the same applies in the second round, irrespective of which 3 members scores were counted in the first round. Should one member be eliminated in the first round, they may be able to jump in the second round if the team is not eliminated. This depends, slightly, on the rules/judge on the day. If two or more team members are eliminated, then that eliminates the whole team, and you would not usually jump the second round. Where there is a jump off to determine placings, often one member must be chosen. If the whole team are to jump, then the best three scores and times will be taken.

REMEMBER – IF YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE PLACING, YOU MUST BE CORRECTLY DRESSED FOR PRIZE GIVING!! Finally . . . . . enjoy yourself !! (word of warning – the above rules refer to Pony Club competitions – most are the same for Riding Club and British Showjumping competitions, except that in the event of a rider fall you will be eliminated at once. With competitions run under BS rules (many local shows are in this category) you are eliminated after the SECOND refusal. You should always check the appropriate rules for tack and riding wear allowed.) Rose Mackie Hill and Penny Briggs Showjumping faults...thought?? Competing and Training Showjumping faults...thought?? If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. 4,589 Showjumping faults...thought?? i was talking with my mum the other day when we were at an unaff sj comp.

At this competition (and at many other unaff) i noticed they were giving 4 faults for a pole knockdown and only 3 faults for a refusal. but i really dont agree with this system that most unaff sj centres have...because if there is say no clears and they place the lowest faulters...then a refusal would get placed above a 4 faulter...and in my book, a refusal is a lot worse (and technically should get more faults than a knockdown) than a horse jumping the fence but just tipping a pole. thoughts?? should they make ALL unaff keep the same as BSJA, i.e. 4 faults for refusal/runout and also 4 faults for knockdown...or should refusals be 5 faults, so they are worse than a horse that has a pole?? just a bit of a discussion me and my mum had... please no-one jump on me if what i have said is a load of rubbish lol xxx 3,164 Re: Showjumping faults...thought?? I'm think i'm right in saying this, but someone will correct me or make it more understandable!

This is the traditional scoring system and was adopted everywhere (by affilated comps too), then the rules changed several years back. As pretty much all competitions have risen from hunting etc, it is much much much safer for a horse to stop then knock and fence. For example a solid gate or post amd rail fences out hunting would most likely cause a fall. Therefore is better to have a ultra careful horse who may stop if it can't clear the fence than one which will always jump. Please vote Flynn as Britain's Greatest Horse. Only takes 2 minutes and I will love you all! 22,281 Re: Showjumping faults...thought?? Old SJ (BSJA) rules were 3 faults for 1st stop, 6 for second and 3rd was elimination rather than current 2 stops and your out rule. A lot of unaffil show centres kept the old rules to give novice riders more of a chance which I prefer. BSJA changed rules with increases in class sizes and to move in line with FEI if I remember rightly. There was a lot of fuss at the time which I think was when I was on 12h2's so about 14 or 15 years ago now!!!

PC kept to old rules for many years but I think have now changed to 4 faults for first stop and second and 3rd is elimination though I think I may well be wrong as not competed PC comps in years either! The theory with the old BSJA rules of 3 faults for first stop was that a horse who stopped should get time faults so a horse with a pole should come out on top! I'm not Strange I'm Unique! 30 Re: Showjumping faults...thought?? and the other side of looking at this is in WH classes a refusal (disobediance) scores more penalties than a knockdown. I see both sides to the argument, I'd rather a horse stop if it was going to have a fence that would cause a fall but in showjumping this is very rare as the poles fall. However some horses stop due to a disobediance (not inc spooking novices in this) and IMHO that should be penalised as much as a pole. I think it's really up to the individual show to have whatever rules they want, but being in line would make things easier, there's enough rules in each discipline without having 2/3 sets of diff rules for one!

South Lincs - the underrated Fens. Posts 27,385 Re: Showjumping faults...thought?? it always used to be 3 faults for a stop or run-out, and 4 for a knock-down, it only changed fairly recently. before that i believe it used to be 2 faults for a knock-down with front legs, and something else for a knock-down with hind legs (or maybe the other way round, definitely different faults though). personally i think it should be 4 for a knock-down and more for a refusal... "...and I whispered to the horse: trust no man in whose eye you don't see yourself reflected as an equal." - Don Vincenzo Giobbe (circa 1700) "Remember, the horse has no bad intentions, he only reacts." Dr Gerd Heuschmann "Only ignorance! Only ignorance!

Don't you know it is the worst thing in the world, next to wickedness?" -- from Black Beauty, Anna Sewell Rules and scoring of a British Eventing Horse Trial Phase 1 - Dressage The dressage phase, which is held first is made up of an exact sequence of movements, each movement marked out of a maximum score of 10. It is ridden in a semi-enclosed grass arena, which is 20 x 40 for a national ODE, larger (20 x 60m) for an international event. In an ODE, the test is marked by a judge situated at the top, in the middle of the ‘short side' (20m), at marker ‘C'. More than one judge marks an international test, and they are situated at varying points of the arena. The judges are looking for balance, rhythm and suppleness and most importantly, obedience of the horse and like to see it working as one with its rider.

The reason for the Dressage test is to demonstrate that the horse and rider have the correct training to perform individual movements in a graceful, controlled, relaxed and precise manner and are prepared for the of the exactness of the Show Jumping and rigours of the Cross Country test to follow. Once the rider and horse have completed their Dressage test, the marks are totted up and any errors of course deducted, which is then converted to penalty points. The marks are converted to a percentage of the maximum possible score, multiplied by the coefficient for that test, then subtracted from 100. Summary of British Eventing Dressage Rules: Following the bell the rider is allowed 45 seconds to enter the ring. Failure to do so ends in elimination. If all four feet of the horse exit the arena during the test, this results in elimination. Errors on course: Phase 2* – Show Jumping Show Jumping tests the technical jumping skills of the horse and rider, including suppleness, obedience, fitness and athleticism. In this phase, 8-20 fences (depending on level of event) are set up in an arena, (usually on grass in Britain).

Show jumps can be knocked down, unlike cross country fences and penalties are given for any poles that fall. This phase is also timed, with penalties being given for every second over the time set by the course designer. In an international or 3DE, Eventing Show Jumping tests the fitness and stamina of the horse and rider following the previous day's cross-country test. How do you score a Show Jump round? If a horse knocks down or refuses a fence, it is called a ‘fault'. These faults are added up at the end of the round, and any time penalties added to give the pairing a score for that round. Knocking down an obstacle: 4 penalties First Disobedience (refusal, run-out, circle, stepping backwards): 4 penalties Second disobedience: 8 penalties Exceeding the time allowed: 1 penalty per second Jumping an obstacle in the wrong order: Elimination Error of course not rectified: Elimination A show jump is classed as being knocked down if any part of it has had its height lowered. It is possible therefore to knock out a pole below the top rail and receive no penalties. *ODE only.

At an international or 3DE it is reversed and SJ is the final phase Phase 3* – Cross Country Both horse and rider must be in excellent physical shape to complete the cross country test. The horse and rider will have practiced or ‘schooled' over several different types of cross country fences before competing to develop braveness, experience and trust. In Britain there are six levels of affiliated Eventing which cater for all levels of horse and rider, and they range from 80cm Training classes through to 1.20m Advanced classes: Advanced Combinations jump 18-22 fences (BE80, BE90, BE100), more at the higher levels, all designed and built along an outdoor circuit. The fences are solidly built natural objects (logs, stone walls) as well as various other obstacles such as ditches, drop fences and banks and combinations, which test the accuracy and training of the horse and rider. Leading the way on safety in the sport, Britain pioneered the frangible pin system which is fixed to upright rails, allowing part or all of the jump to drop down if hit with enough force.

Horse and rider need to finish the course within a certain time limit, or ‘optimum time' which is announced on the day of the competition for that particular course. For example at a BE80(T) competition, horse and rider need to be travelling at 435 metres per minute, to come within the optimum time. Speed is a factor, with the rider required to cross the finish line within a certain time frame (optimum time). Crossing the finish line after the optimum time clocks up time penalties for each second over. How do you score a Cross Country round? If the rider falls off (national competitions only), they can remount and carry on. If they fall a second time, the rider is eliminated.

Refusal, run-out, or circle at an obstacle: 20 penalties Second refusal, run-out, circle at the same obstacle: 40 penalties Third refusal, run-out, circle on XC Course: Elimination Fall of horse (shoulder touches the ground): Mandatory Retirement Exceeding Optimum Time: 0.4 penalties per second Coming in under Optimum Time: 0.4 penalties per second Exceeding the Time Limit (twice the optimum time): Elimination **Cross Country ODE only. At an international or 3DE it is reversed and Cross Country is the second phase. Olympic Equestrian - Olympic Rules, Judging & Officials Updated April 19, 2016. Introduction The rules used in Olympic Equestrian competitions are the international rules as set out by the FEI . They are the same rules used in international competition for all FEI sanctioned competition such as the World Equestrian Games . While some portions of Olympic equestrian sports such as dressage are based on subjective judging--the opinion of the judge, others are based on timing and faults or penalties. Here are some of the basic rules.

Olympic Equestrian Scoring Show Jumping Keep pen and paper handy, watch the time clock (clocked to be one-hundredth of a second), and you should be able to track the rider's scores at home. Jump-offs are held to determine winners if there is a tie. The jumps, while imposing looking, are made to fall if the horse hits any portion of one. General Rules A ground jury consisting of various judges and officials and qualified according to FEI standards inspects the course and judges the competition. Horses must be at least 9 years old for Olympic competition. A bell is used to communicate with the competitor and is used to signal various events such as when they may enter the arena, a halt or continue in case of an interruption, or to indicate the rider is eliminated. Red or white flags are used to mark obstacles or mandatory turns. Jumps generally are categorized as spreads, verticals or water jumps . Jumps may be set up in combinations. Faults and Penalties Four faults are given for each jump knocked down. (A rail, or one or more parts of the jump fall to the ground). Four faults are given if one or more hooves leave an impression on the lath surrounding a water jump.

Four faults are given for the first disobedience (refusal to jump, run out). Elimination: Horse (shoulders and haunches touch the ground) or rider falls. Elimination: Second disobedience (refusal). Elimination: An uncorrected deviation from the course. Elimination: Exceeding the time limit. One penalty point for every four seconds or portion of a second exceeding the time allowed in the first and second rounds and jump-offs not against the clock. One penalty point for each second or portion of a second exceeding the time allowed in a jump-off against the clock. Dressage Dressage judging, both in the Dressage competition and the Eventing dressage phase is perhaps the most subjective of all the Olympic equestrian sports. FEI rules outline the standards for each gait, and element of the dressage test. Five judges, positioned around the outside of the 20mX60m (21.9 yds. x 65.6 yds.) dressage ring, give each element a score, usually from 0 to 10 with some elements being given greater weight by multiplying the score or 'co-efficient'.The ideal score is 100%.

Rules regarding the type of tack and dress that may be used are very strict. Competitors are disqualified if all four hooves land outside of the dressage arena, the horse refuses to perform for over 20 seconds, or horse or rider falls. Penalties are given to riders who go off track, do not salute properly and other minor infractions. These are deducted from the overall score. At the Olympic level penalties of this type are rare. Eventing Rules for the stadium jumping and dressage phases of the Eventing are similar to those used for the individual sports. Cross country jumps are very imposing and not designed to fall or come apart should a horse hit one, although this is slowly changing because of the many deadly accidents that happen to both horse and rider.. There may be verticals, and spreads made of natural and man-made materials and the course can include ditches, hills, streams and banks. Judges sit at each obstacle and record any infractions. General Rules For the cross country phase an 'optimum time' is established. There is no benefit to finishing earlier than the optimum time, but penalties are given if the rider exceeds the optimum time. Riders may remount after a fall.

Penalties Second fall of the competitor: elimination Elimination may occur if: Jumping or incurring a fault at an obstacle in the wrong order or passing through a compulsory passage in the wrong order. The horse is lame or exhausted at the Second Horse Inspection. Unapproved tack and equipment. Error of course not corrected. Missing an obstacle or compulsory passage. Jumping an obstacle already jumped. Jumping an obstacle in the wrong direction Abuse of horse--excessive whipping, spurring, illegal equipment. You will find all of the rules regarding FEI disciplines, including the three Olympic disciplines on the FEI website. Click on the individual sport name and choose 'Rules'. Horse Competitions - show jumping Horse Competitions From: Equestrian and Horse • Horse Show Jumping Video Show Jumping This is an amazing sport in which horse and rider combinations have to jump over either one or a series of obstacles. There are specific jumping competitions such as the Puissance as well as jumping for showing competitions such as Working Hunter. Depending on the competition entered will dictate the height, speed and width of the fences that are to be jumped.

History It was all thanks to the Enclosures Act in the 18th century that first encouraged the jumping of horses to come about, this was because jumping became necessary in order to cross fields and boundary lines especially when out for a days hunting as certain fences and obstacles would have to be tackled in order to avoid having to go the long route around. Towards the end of the 18th century in France the sport of "lepping" began. The sport of "lepping" would originally see horse and riders heading off across country and it was not long before the trend of jumping in an arena or enclosed space took hold, this was soon to became very popular especially with the spectators who could easily see the fences and watch many horses jumping them. It was towards the end of the 18th century the sport of "leaping" then appeared at the Royal Dublin show and was later brought over to England where "leaping" classes were added to many show schedules. The first International show jumping competition in England was at Olympia in 1907 and had mainly military personal taking part.

The competition rules were very different from today's with four faults being deducted for a fence knocked down by the forelegs and two faults with the hind legs and half a fault added for touching the water jump and also for touching a fence without knocking it down. By 1912 the sport of show jumping was also included in the Olympics. Jumping Styles To begin with riders used to jump fences with very long stirrups and a slightly backward upper body position, it was believed that this would give them a secure position, the difficulty with long stirrups comes about when the jumps start to get quite big as it makes getting left behind the movement very easy to do and can act as more of a hindrance than a help to the horse. It was thanks to an Italian instructor called Captain Fiederico Caprilli who changed the jumping position from a backward one to a more forward one that allows the rider to actually go with the movement of the horse and allow the horse more freedom to jump and allows the rider to keep up and remain more in balance.

How does a show jumping class work In show jumping there are two phases, the first is to jump around a course of show jumps with the aim that these fences are to be jumped in a set order and within a set time without knocking any over. The second phase is the jump off, which can only occur if a clear round has been accomplished during the first phase. A jump off is a shortened, often higher version of the original first phase course. The object of the jump off is to again jump a clear round but to do it as quickly as possible and therefore beat your opponents time. Before the start of the competition, competitors are allowed to walk on foot around the course and it is during this course walk that the jump off should also be walked, a list is clearly put up displaying which fences are to be included in the jump off and depending on the competition the jump off will either happen straight away after finishing the first phase or will happen after all competitors have finished riding around the first phase and a short list of clear round finalists has been compiled.

Jumping Associations Federation Equestre Internationale ( FEI ) and in England it is known as the International Federation for Equestrian Sports was founded in 1921 and is a joining of organizations from all over the world, such as Belgium, Denmark, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden, United States and England. British Show Jumping Association was founded in 1923 American Horse Shows Association was founded in 1917 and is now known as the United States Equestrian Federation Western Australian Show Jumping Association was founded in 1957 Rules - Check with your rule book for specific rules and regulations. Fence Knockdown - 4 faults, Refusal - 4 faults with only 3 refusals at any one fence permitted before elimination occurs. Touching tape in water jump - 4 faults. Fall of horse - elimination. Failure to jump all the jumps - elimination. Failure to pass through the start and/or finish - elimination.

Examples of some Show Jumping Classes .- Discovery, Newcomers, Foxhunter, Grand prix, Puissance, Speed, Scurry, Accumulator, Queen Elizabeth 2nd Cup, King George 5th Cup as well as many more including specific height classes such as 1. 10m, 1.15 and 1.30m for example. See also Show Jumping (Horses) Show Jumping (Horses) Show Jumping Show jumping, also known as "stadium jumping" or "jumpers," is a member of a family of English riding equestrian events that also includes dressage, eventing, hunters and equitation. Jumping classes are commonly seen at horse shows throughout the world, including the Olympics. Sometimes shows are limited exclusively to jumpers, sometimes jumper classes are offered in conjunction with other English-style events, and sometimes show jumping is but one division of very large, all-breed competitions that include a very wide variety of disciplines. Jumping classes may be governed by various national horse show sanctioning organizations, such as the United States Equestrian Federation in the USA.

However, international competitions are governed by the rules of the FédéFration équestre Internationale (FEI). Hunters or Jumpers Proper show jumping attire, as seen in the show jumping phase of a three-day event. Attire at an event includes a mandatory armband as seen here, although the armband is not required in general show jumping. People unfamiliar with horse shows may be confused by the difference between working hunter classes and jumper classes. Hunters are judged subjectively on the degree to which they meet an ideal standard of manners, style, and way of going. Conversely, jumper classes are scored objectively based entirely on a numerical score determined only by whether the horse attempts the obstacle, clears it, and finishes the course in the allotted time. Jumper courses are often colorful and at times quite creatively designed. Jumper courses tend to be much more complex and technical than hunter courses, because riders and horses are not being judged on style. Hunters have meticulous turnout and tend toward very quiet, conservative horse tack and rider attire. Hunter bits, bridles, crops, spurs and martingales are tightly regulated.

Jumpers, while caring for their horses and grooming them well, are not scored on turnout, are allowed a wider range of equipment, and riders may wear less conservative attire, so long as it stays within the rules. However, formal turnout is always preferred, and a neat rider gives a good impression at shows. In addition to hunters and jumpers, there are equitation classes, sometimes called hunt seat equitation, which judge the ability of the rider. The equipment, clothing and fence styles used in equitation more closely resemble hunter classes, though the technical difficulty of the courses may more closely resemble jumping events. Courses and Rules Show Jump Course Jumper classes are held over a course of show jumping obstacles, including verticals, spreads, double and triple combinations, usually with many turns and changes of direction. The purpose is to jump cleanly over a set course within an allotted time. Time faults are assessed for exceeding the time allowance. Jumping faults are incurred for knockdowns and blatant disobedience, such as refusals (when the horse stops before a fence or "runs out"). (see "Modern Rules" below) Horses are allowed a limited number of refusals before being disqualified.

A refusal can also lead to a rider going over the time allowed on course. Placings are based on the lowest number of points or "faults" accumulated. A horse and rider who have not accumulated any jumping faults or penalty points are said to have scored a "clear round." Tied entries usually have a jump-off over a raised and shortened course, and the course is timed; if entries are tied for faults accumulated in the jump-off, the fastest time wins. In most competitions, riders are allowed to walk the course but not the jump-off course (usually the same course with missing jumps e.g. 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 in stead of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9) before competition to plan their ride. Walking the course is a chance for the rider to walk the lines he or she will actually ride, to decide how many strides the horse will need to take between each jump and at which angle. The more professional the competition, such as "A" rated shows in the United States, or the international "Grand Prix" circuit, the more technical the course.

Not only is the height and sometimes width ("spread") of an obstacle increased to present a greater challenge, technical difficulty also increases with tight turns and shorter or unusual distances between fences. Horses sometimes also have to jump fences from an angle rather than straight-on. For example, a course designer might set up a line so that there are six and a half strides (the standard measure for a canter stride is 12 feet) between the jumps, requiring the rider to adjust the horse's stride dramatically in order to make the distance. Unlike show hunter classes, which reward calmness and style, Jumper classes require boldness, scope, power, accuracy, and control; speed is also a factor, especially in jump-off courses and speed classes (when time counts even in the first round). A jumper must jump big, bravely, and fast, but he must also be careful and accurate to avoid knockdowns and must be balanced and rideable in order to rate and turn accurately. A jumper rider must ride the best line to each fence, saving ground with well-planned turns and lines and must adjust the horse's stride for each fence and distance.

In a jump-off, a rider must balance the need to go as fast as possible and turn as tight as possible against the horse's ability to jump cleanly. History Grand Prix Show Jumping Show jumping is a relatively new equestrian sport. Until the Inclosure Acts which came into force in England in the eighteenth century there had been little need for horses to routinely jump fences. But with this act of parliament came new challenges for those who followed fox hounds. The enclosures act brought fencing and boundaries to many parts of the country as common ground was dispersed amongst the wealthy landowners. This meant that those wishing to pursue their sport now needed horses which were capable of jumping these obstacles. In the early shows held in France, there was a parade of competitors who then took off across country for the jumping. This sport was, however, not popular with spectators as they could not watch the jumping. Thus, it was not long before fences began to appear in the arena. This became known as Lepping. 1869 was the year 'horse leaping' came to prominence at Dublin horse show. Fifteen years later, Lepping competitions were brought to Britain and by 1900 most of the more important shows had Lepping classes.

Women, riding side-saddle, had their own classes. At this time, the principal cavalry schools of Europe at Pinerolo and Tor-di-Quinto in Italy, the French school in Saumur and the Spanish school in Vienna all preferred to use a very deep seat with long stirrups when jumping. This style of riding was perhaps more secure for the rider, but it also impeded the freedom of the horse to use its body to the extent needed to clear large obstacles. The Italian Instructor Captain Fiederico Caprilli heavily influenced the world of jumping with his ideas that a forward position with shorter stirrups would not impede the balance of the horse negotiating obstacles. This style, now known as the forward seat, is commonly used today. The deep, Dressage-style seat, while useful for riding on the flat and in conditions where control of the horse is of greater importance than freedom of movement, is sometimes referred to with disparagement as a "backward" seat in some jumping circles. The first major show jumping competition held in England was at Olympia in 1907. Most of the competitors were members of the military and it became clear at this competition and in the subsequent years that there was no uniformity of rules for the sport.

Judges marked on their own opinions. Some marked according to the severity of the obstacle and others marked according to style. Before 1907 there were no penalties for a refusal and the competitor was sometimes asked to miss the fence to please the spectators. The first courses were built with little imagination; many consisting of only a straight bar fence and a water jump. A meeting was arranged in 1923 which led to the formation of the BSJA in 1925. In the United States, a similar need for national rules for jumping and other equestrian activities led to the formation of the American Horse Shows Association in 1917, now known as the United States Equestrian Federation. An early form of show jumping was first incorporated into the Olympic Games in 1900. Show jumping in its current format appeared in 1912, and has thrived ever since, its recent popularity due in part to its suitability as a spectator sport which can be viewed on television.

Original Scoring Tariff The original list of faults introduced in The United Kingdom in 1925 was as follows: Refusing or Running out at any fence: 1st: 4 faults; 2nd: elimination; (at first, stadium jumps were set as a single rail that would be sometimes up to 5 feet high. the horses eventually began to duck under the jumps, which is perhaps were the term 'ducking out' at a fence originated from) Fall of the horse, the rider, or both: elimination Touches: If a horse touches a fence without knocking it down, zero faults: rail down with front hooves: 4 faults; rail down with back hooves: 4 faults Foot in the water jump: If a horse lands with any number of feet in the water--4 faults. However no faults were incurred if the raised block in front of the water was knocked down. Water jumps were once at least 15 feet (5 m) wide, although the water had often drained out of them by the time the last competitor jumped. High jumping would start with a pole at around 5 feet but this was later abandoned, as many horses went under the pole.

It was for this reason that more poles were added and fillers came into use. Time penalties were not counted until 1917. Modern Rules This knockdown will incur 4 penalties or "faults." Rules have since evolved, with different national federations having different classes and rules. The international governing body for most major show jumping competitions is the Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI). The two most common types of penalties are jumping penalties and time penalties. Jumping Penalties: Jumping penalties are assessed for refusals and knockdowns, with each refusal or knockdown adding four faults to a competitor's score. Penalties for knockdowns are imposed only when the knockdown changes the height of the jump. If a horse or rider knocks down a bottom or middle rail while still clearing the height of the obstacle, they receive no penalties. Penalties are assessed at the open water when the horse touches the water or white tape with any of his feet. If a rail is set over the middle of the water, faults are not accumulated for landing in the water. Refusals: Refusals now are penalized four faults, up from three.

Within the last several years, the FEI has decreased the number of refusals resulting in elimination from three to two, and this rule has trickled down from the top levels of FEI competition to all levels of horse shows (at least in the United States). A refusal that results in the destruction of the integrity of a jump (running into the fence instead of jumping it, displacing poles, gates, flowers, or large clumps of turf or dirt) will not receive four faults for the knockdown, but instead the four faults for a refusal and an additional penalty while the timer is stopped for the repair or replacement of the jump. A refusal inside a combination (one-or two-stride) must re-jump the entire combination. Time Penalties: In the past, a common timing rule was a 1/4 second penalty for each second or fraction of a second over the time allowed. Since the early 2000's, this rule was changed by the FEI so that each second or fraction of a second over the time allowed would result in 1 time penalty (e.g. with a time allowed of 72 seconds, a time of 73.09 seconds would result in 2 time faults).

Tack Show jumping competitors use a very forward style of English saddle, most often the "close contact" design, which has a forward flap and a seat and cantle that is flatter than saddles designed for general all-purpose English riding or dressage. This construction allows greater freedom of movement for the rider when in jumping position, and allows a shorter stirrup, required in order for a rider to allowing the rider to lighten his or her seat. Other saddles, such as those designed for dressage, are intended for riders with a deep seat, can hinder a rider over large fences, forcing them into a position that limits the horse's movement and may put the rider dangerously behind the movement of the horse. At international levels, saddle pads are usually white and square in shape, allowing the pair to display a sponsorship, national flag, or breeding affiliation. (In contrast, riders in show hunters and equitation often use "fitted" fleece pads that are the same shape as the saddle.) Girths vary in type, but usually have a contour to give room for the horse's elbows, and many have belly guards to protect the underside of the horse from its shoe studs when the front legs are tightly folded under.

Bridles may be used with any style of cavesson noseband, and there are few rules regarding the severity of this equipment. The figure-8 cavesson is the most popular type. Bits may also vary in severity, and competitors may use any bit, or even a "bitless bridle" or a hackamore. However, the ground jury at the show has the right, based on veterinary advice, to refuse a bit or bridling scheme if it could cause harm to the horse. Boots and/or wraps are worn by almost all horses, due to the fact that they may easily injure their legs when landing or when making tight turns at speed. Open-fronted tendon boots are usually worn on the forelegs, because they provide protection for the delicate tendons that run down the back of the leg, but still allow the horse to feel a rail should it get careless and hang its legs. Fetlock boots are sometimes seen on the rear legs, primarily to prevent the horse from hitting itself on tight turns. Martingales are very common, especially on horses used at the Grand Prix level. The majority of jumpers are ridden in running martingales, as these provide the most freedom over fences.

Although a standing martingale (a strap connecting directly to the horse's noseband) is commonly seen on show hunters and may be helpful in keeping a horse from throwing its head up, it can also be quite dangerous in the event of a stumble, restricting a horse from using its head to regain its balance. For this reason, standing martingales are not used in show jumping or eventing. Breastplates are also common, used to keep the saddle in place as the horse goes over large fences. Rider Attire Rider attire may be somewhat less formal than that used in hunter riding. However, an approved ASTM/SEI equestrian helmet with a harness is always required, and is a practical necessity to protect the rider's head in the event of a fall. Tall boots are required, usually black. Spurs are optional, but commonly used. Breeches are traditional in color, usually white, tan, or beige.

At approved competitions, depending on sanctioning organization, a dark-colored coat is usually worn (though under the rules of the USEF tweed or wash jackets are allowed in the summer and lighter colors are currently in fashion), with a light-colored (usually white) ratcatcher-style shirt and either a choker or stock tie. However, especially in the summer, many riders wear a simple short-sleeved "polo" style shirt with helmet, boots and breeches, and even where coats are required, the judges may waive the coat rule in extremely hot weather. Gloves, usually black, are optional, as is braiding of the horse. At FEI Grand Prix levels, tradition is very strong and riders dress in a more formal manner. White shirts and breeches are worn with black boots. Members of some national teams, including the United States, may be seen in red jackets, a color reserved for only riders of the Grand Prix level; otherwise international competitors usually wear a dark navy jacket, sometimes with national insignia added. Types of Competition Grand Prix: The highest level of show jumping.

Run under International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) rules, the horse jumps a course of 10 to 16 obstacles, with heights and spreads of up to 6.5 feet (2.0 m). Grand Prix--level show jumping competitions include the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games and the Samsung Super League series. Grand Prix showjumping is normally referred to collectively as five-star Concours de Saut International (CSI) rules. Speed Derby Puissance: A high-jump competition, where the final wall may reach over 7 feet tall. Six-bar: Riders jump six fences set in a straight line. In most places, fences are placed at equal distances apart, the first fence is the lowest and each subsequent fence is higher than the one before. Horses are either penalized or eliminated from competition if they knock down a rail. After each round where more than one competitor goes "clean," or is tied for fewest faults, the six fences are raised in height each subsequent round until there is a winner. Occasionally, if there are multiple jump-offs, the final fences can be raised to well over 6 feet.

Gambler's Choice/Accumulator: An event where exhibitors choose their own course, with each fence cleared worth a given amount of points based on difficulty. The entry who accumulates the most points within a set time limit on course is the winner. Calcutta: A jumping event where spectators bet on which horse will win by means of an auction where the highest bidder has the exclusive bet on a given horse. Though the exact mechanism varies by region and culture, as a rule, the spectator who bets on the winner collects all money bet and then splits the purse with the owner of the winning horse. Maiden, Novice and Limit: Jumping classes limited to horses with fewer than one, three or six wins. Fences are usually lower and time limits more generous. Match race or double slalom: Two identical courses are set up in a split arena, and two horses race over the courses. Touch Class: A class held much like a normal showjumping class, except that if the horse touches the jump it is considered four faults.

Faults converted: A class in which any faults are converted into seconds on the clock, usually at the rate of 1 second per fault (i.e., one rail = 4 seconds) Types of Show Jumps Show jumping fences are often colorful, sometimes very elaborate and artistic in design, particularly at the highest levels of competition. Types of jumps used include the following: Vertical (or upright) - A jump that consists of poles or planks placed one directly above another with no spread, or width, to jump. Oxer - Two verticals close together, to make the jump wider. Also called a spread. Square oxer - (Sometimes known as Box Oxer): Both top poles are of an equal height. Ascending oxer (usually called a Ramped Oxer): The furthest pole is higher than the first. Descending oxer (usually called an Offset Oxer): The furthest pole is lower than the closest. Swedish oxer: The poles slant in opposite directions, so that they appear to form an "X" shape when seen head on. Triple bar - Is a spread fence using three elements of graduating heights.

Cross rail - Not commonly used in sanctioned horse shows, and sometimes called a "cross-pole," two poles crossed with one end of each pole is on the ground and on jump standards so that the center is lower than the sides. Used at small shows and for schooling purposes to help the horse jump in the center of the fence. Wall - This type of jump is usually made to look like a brick wall, but the "bricks" are constructed of a lightweight material and fall easily when knocked. Hogsback - A type of spread fence with three rails where the tallest pole is in the center. Filler - This is not a type of fence but is a solid part below the poles, such as flower boxes or a roll top. It can also be a gate. Combination - Usually 2 or 3 jumps in a row, with no more than 2 strides between each. 2 jumps in a row are called double combinations, and 3 jumps in a row are triple combinations. If a horse refuses the second or third element in one of these combinations, they must jump the whole combination again, not just the obstacle(s) they missed.

Fan - The rails on one side of the fence are spread out by standards, making the fence take the shape of a fan when viewed from above. Open water: A wide ditch of water. Liverpool - A ditch or large tray of water under a vertical or oxer Joker - A tricky fence comprising only a rustic (or unpainted) rail and two wings. The lack of filler makes it difficult for a horse to judge their proximity to the fence as well as the fence's height, making it a tricky obstacle usually found only in the upper divisions, and illegal in some competitions. The Horses A show jumper must have the scope and courage to jump large fences as well as the athletic ability to handle the sharp turns and bursts of speed necessary to navigate the most difficult courses. Many breeds of horses have been successful show jumpers, and even some "grade" horses of uncertain breeding have been champions. Most show jumpers are tall horses, over 16 hands, usually of Warmblood or Thoroughbred breeding, though horses as small as 14.1 hands have been on the Olympics teams of various nations and carried riders to Olympic and other international medals.

There is no correlation between the size of a horse and its athletic ability, nor do tall horses necessarily have an advantage when jumping. Nonetheless, a taller horse may make a fence appear less daunting to the rider. Ponies (horses smaller than 14.2 hands) also compete in show jumping competitions in many countries, usually in classes limited to riders under the age of 17 or 18. Pony-sized horses may, on occasion, compete in open competition with adult riders. The most famous example was Stroller, who only stood 14.1 but was nonetheless a medal winner for the United Kingdom's show jumping team in the 1968 Summer Olympics, jumping one of the few clean rounds in the competition. Significant jumpers from the United States are included in the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. For More Information: Hats Off Day Our Listings About Grand Prix The Grand Prix is the highest level of show jumping. Run under International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) rules, the horse jumps a course of 10 to 16 obstacles, with heights and spreads of up to 6.5 feet.

Grand Prix-level show jumping competitions include the Olympics, the World Equestrian Games, the Samsung Super League series, the World Cup Series, and the Nations Cup Series. Courses usually include tight twists and turns, very high and colorful fences, and are designed to test the stamina, precision, power, and control of both horse and rider. A great deal of training and conditioning as well as many years of show experience are required to get both horse and rider prepared for such an event. Top shows are found worldwide. The object of the sport is to ride the course with the fewest faults. If the horse and rider knock down a rail, go over the time allotted or refuse a jump, faults are given. Four faults are given for each rail down and each refusal, and one fault for each second over the time allotted. Riders are eliminated if they are disjoined from (fall off) the horse at any point during the round, refuse a jump more than twice, or if they go off course (take the jumps in the wrong sequence). If more than one horse-and-rider team has a clear round, meaning they had no faults, they will come back to ride in the jump off.

However, if none achieves a clear round, the riders who had the fewest faults will compete against each other. If only one rider achieves a clear round in the original Grand Prix round, that person is automatically declared the winner and there is no jump off. The jump off is an abbreviated and more difficult and normally faster version of the original course, judged in the same way as the original. Obstacles can be raised for the jump off from the starting height. Grand Prix Show Jumping History The sport of Show Jumping was derived from fox hunting; Grand Prix Show Jumping began in Paris, France in 1866. Show jumping enabled owners to exhibit their horses' abilities in a more confined arena, as opposed to the fox hunting fields. As show jumping usually takes place in a small arena, or stadium, and is almost always timed, the horse in question must show flexibility, maneuverability, and extreme jumping proficiency. Show jumping was officially recognized as an Olympic sport in 1912, however; prior to 1952, equestrian sport during the Olympics were contested by men only. In fact, the riders had to be military athletes. More specifically, they had to be commissioned officers.

Beginning in 1952, these restrictions were lifted, and since 1952, men and women have competed against each other in the equestrian events." Rules for Grand Prix Show Jumping The international governing body for most major show jumping competitions is the Federation Equestrian Internationale ("FEI"). The two most common types of penalties for Grand Prix Jumping competitions are jumping penalties and time penalties. Jumping penalties are assessed for "Refusal" refusals and knockdowns, with each refusal or knockdown adding four faults to a competitor's score. Penalties for knockdowns are imposed only when the knockdown changes the height of the jump. If a horse or rider knocks down a bottom or middle rail while still clearing the height of the obstacle, they receive no penalties. Penalties are assessed at the open water when the horse touches the water or white tape with any of his feet. If a rail is set over the middle of the water, faults are not accumulated for landing in the water. Refusals: Refusals now are penalized four faults, up from three.

Within the last several years, the FEI has decreased the number of refusals resulting in elimination from three to two, and this rule has trickled down from the top levels of FEI competition to all levels of horse shows (at least in the United States). A refusal that results in the destruction of the integrity of a jump (running into the fence instead of jumping it, displacing poles, gates, flowers, or large clumps of turf or dirt) will not receive four faults for the knockdown, but instead the four faults for a refusal and an additional penalty while the timer is stopped for the repair or replacement of the jump. A refusal inside a "Combination (jump)"combination (one- or two-stride) must re-jump the entire combination. Time Penalties: In the past, a common timing rule was a 1/4 second penalty for each second or fraction of a second over the time allowed. Since the early 2000s, this rule was changed by the International Federation for Equestrian so that each second or fraction of a second over the time allowed would result in 1 time penalty (e.g.

with a time allowed of 72 seconds, a time of 73.09 seconds would result in 2 time faults). HOME | ABOUT THE EVENT | GRAND PRIX | BENEFICIARIES | SPONSORS | CONTACT US COPYRIGHT 2009 | Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital Web Design by eLink Design, Inc. a SEO Web Design Company Hosted by Intelliwire, Inc. Your Source for Online Backup.

Question: In show-jumping, how many faults does a competitor get for a refusal?
Answer: Three